This study describes alterations in skin perfusion in response to step increases in surface pressure, before and after long-term (5 hr) exposure to pressure-induced ischemia. A provocative test was developed in which surface pressure was increased in increments of 3.7 mmHg until perfusion reached an apparent minimum by a computer-controlled plunger that included a force cell, a laser Doppler fl...

We investigated the effect of beta-adrenergic stimulation on the heart rate and QT interval in syncope children with or without coexisting ventricular arrhythmias (VA). Of the 24 children who presented with syncope or presyncope and showed negative tilt test, 13 were classified into a group with VA and the remaining 11 without VA. The provocative test was performed in bolus infusion and continu...

The efficacy of endocrine tests depends on the choice of tests, the preparation of the patients, the integrity of the specimens, the quality of the measurements, and the validity of the reference data. Close dialogue among the clinicians, the laboratory, and the patients is a key factor for optimal patient care. The characteristics of urine and plasma samples and the advantages and limitations ...